Legalize It!

In December of 2021, Ohio Govener Mike DeWine signed legal sports betting into law, this triggered an Ohio-wide countdown until legal sports betting launches in the state. Ohio law requires that the first legal wager be placed no later than January 1, 2023 so we know that it will happen some time before the end of 2022.

It appears the state is making the necessary moves to ensure it will meet the deadline since The Ohio Casino Control Commission recently released deadlines for sports betting operators to apply for licensure. As part of the bill’s terms, Ohio Senate will allow for 40 sports betting licenses to be issued to prospective operators. Of those 40 licenses, 20 will be reserved for mobile sportsbook operators with the remaining half earmarked for brick-and-mortar retail sportsbooks. For now, Ohioans will need to be patient as the final steps are made prior to launch. In the meantime, however, Ohio residents can familiarize themselves with some of the sportsbooks that could become available (below).

Online Sportsbooks Expected to Launch in Ohio:

• Betfred Sportsbook
• BetRivers Sportsbook
• betJack
• Pointsbet
• Ballys
• Fanduel
• Draftkings
• Barstool Sportsbook

Ohio Sports Betting History

The Buckeye state is no stranger to gambling, as they have had land based (“brick-and-mortar”) casinos in all major cities since 2009. However, Starting January 1st, 2023 every resident of Ohio will be able to sports bet from the comfort of their home via computer or smart phone.

About the Ohio Sports Betting Bill

The bill that finally legalized Ohio sports betting was HB29 but it was originally drafted to issue Veteran ID cards in the state. A separate piece of legislation, SB 176, was designed to legalize sports betting specifically. When it became clear that SB 176 would not receive a House hearing, Sen. Schuring moved the infrastructure of  SB 176 onto the framework of HB 29. Once HB 29 passed through the legislative process, Ohio sports betting was officially legalized.

Highlights of the Ohio sports betting bill:

• All sports betting revenue taxed at 10%, with 2% of taxes going towards problem gambling assistance.
• 25 Type A mobile sports betting licenses that could ultimately allow for up to 50 sportsbook skins in Ohio. Professional sports teams and casinos can apply for a second sportsbook skin. However, they must demonstrate an economic benefit to the state in order to partner with a second sports betting site.
• 40 Type B retail sports betting licenses with strict location requirements. Brick-and-mortar Ohio sportsbooks cannot be placed in a county with less than 50,000 residents, and preference is given to professional sports leagues and teams to receive a Type B license.
• Type C licenses that will allow Class D liquor-licensed businesses to establish sports betting kiosks.

As per law, Ohio sports betting must launch before January 1, 2023. Check back frequently for updates and Ohio Sports Betting pre-registration.